Yoga Experience
Armed with a book and old gymnastics stretches, I began my Yoga study in 1995, to ease lower back pain. A few months later – with my appetite whetted – I walked into Sun and Moon Yoga Studio http://www.sunandmoonstudio.com in Arlington, VA.
The kind, inquisitive atmosphere of the classes, supportive community and Yogic scriptures cast my attitude in a new light. While learning to address my sore back and balance my body, I saw the suffering that my old beliefs and habits made. After a few years, I had to share this alchemy with others! I enrolled in Sun and Moon's 300 hour Teacher Training program (that earns 200 hours with the Yoga Alliance), and completed it in 2003. I've joyfully taught Yoga since 2001.
Later, I studied with Neel Kulkarni, an Indian Yoga teacher, who lived in Virginia at the time. Neel is from a lineage of Brahmins and is fluent in Sanskrit. In 2005, I completed his 200 hour Authentic Yoga System (AYS) Teacher certification http://www.authenticyoga.org. In 2006, my husband and I went to India for a cultural/spiritual tour with Neel. During the trip, he taught Yoga and to chant Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
My practice has long ago ceased being about trying to achieve difficult poses to soothe my ego. Instead my focus is the deepening of awareness and the vitality it brings. The true challenge is moving through the postures with constant focus, breath and compassion. I also have a few years of Belly Dance training in my background -- the focus on grounding the lower body, while the upper body is tall, light and free has been transformative and fun. I still dance whenever I can, but have had to cease lessons for a while, see below.
Confession time -- I have adjusted my current Yoga practice to a "very mild" level, to suit the limitations of my bilateral hip dysplasia and to continue healing after one total hip replacement in May, 2016. Entering my 40s has brought the realization that building upon my hyper-mobility is unhealthy for my structurally unstable hips. To balance my stretchy ligaments with strength, and enhance postural alignment, I've been lap swimming and recently added weight training to my regimen. Though it was painful to let go, I no longer teach Yoga regularly at studios, but am open to devising therapeutic classes for you, one-on-one.
Historically, I've taught Beginning through Advanced classes, Therapeutic, Prenatal, Postnatal, and children's classes; my experience still informs me. Students can expect special care given to alignment, the breath, and watching the dance of the mind – all woven into a flow with warmth and humor.
I am grateful for the continued guidance and inspiration from:
The lineage of Yogacarya T. Krishnamacharya: TKV Desikachkar and his son Kausthub, founders of http://www.khyf.net/default.aspx
Neel Kulkarni, see above
Anodea Judith, author and founder of https://sacredcenters.com
Sri Swami Satchidananda, author and founder of Yogaville http://www.yogaville.org
Paramhansa Yogananda, author and founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship http://www.yogananda-srf.org/Default.aspx
Erich Schiffman http://www.movingintostillness.com/index.html
Rodney Yee http://www.yeeyoga.com
Brendan Feeley, M.A., N.D. http://bpfeeley.com/biography.html
Faith Halter, founder of http://www.insightfultransitions.com
Alex Levin, teacher at Sun and Moon Yoga Studio http://www.sunandmoonstudio.com
The kind, inquisitive atmosphere of the classes, supportive community and Yogic scriptures cast my attitude in a new light. While learning to address my sore back and balance my body, I saw the suffering that my old beliefs and habits made. After a few years, I had to share this alchemy with others! I enrolled in Sun and Moon's 300 hour Teacher Training program (that earns 200 hours with the Yoga Alliance), and completed it in 2003. I've joyfully taught Yoga since 2001.
Later, I studied with Neel Kulkarni, an Indian Yoga teacher, who lived in Virginia at the time. Neel is from a lineage of Brahmins and is fluent in Sanskrit. In 2005, I completed his 200 hour Authentic Yoga System (AYS) Teacher certification http://www.authenticyoga.org. In 2006, my husband and I went to India for a cultural/spiritual tour with Neel. During the trip, he taught Yoga and to chant Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
My practice has long ago ceased being about trying to achieve difficult poses to soothe my ego. Instead my focus is the deepening of awareness and the vitality it brings. The true challenge is moving through the postures with constant focus, breath and compassion. I also have a few years of Belly Dance training in my background -- the focus on grounding the lower body, while the upper body is tall, light and free has been transformative and fun. I still dance whenever I can, but have had to cease lessons for a while, see below.
Confession time -- I have adjusted my current Yoga practice to a "very mild" level, to suit the limitations of my bilateral hip dysplasia and to continue healing after one total hip replacement in May, 2016. Entering my 40s has brought the realization that building upon my hyper-mobility is unhealthy for my structurally unstable hips. To balance my stretchy ligaments with strength, and enhance postural alignment, I've been lap swimming and recently added weight training to my regimen. Though it was painful to let go, I no longer teach Yoga regularly at studios, but am open to devising therapeutic classes for you, one-on-one.
Historically, I've taught Beginning through Advanced classes, Therapeutic, Prenatal, Postnatal, and children's classes; my experience still informs me. Students can expect special care given to alignment, the breath, and watching the dance of the mind – all woven into a flow with warmth and humor.
I am grateful for the continued guidance and inspiration from:
The lineage of Yogacarya T. Krishnamacharya: TKV Desikachkar and his son Kausthub, founders of http://www.khyf.net/default.aspx
Neel Kulkarni, see above
Anodea Judith, author and founder of https://sacredcenters.com
Sri Swami Satchidananda, author and founder of Yogaville http://www.yogaville.org
Paramhansa Yogananda, author and founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship http://www.yogananda-srf.org/Default.aspx
Erich Schiffman http://www.movingintostillness.com/index.html
Rodney Yee http://www.yeeyoga.com
Brendan Feeley, M.A., N.D. http://bpfeeley.com/biography.html
Faith Halter, founder of http://www.insightfultransitions.com
Alex Levin, teacher at Sun and Moon Yoga Studio http://www.sunandmoonstudio.com
Shamanic Experience
Allegra with Ayahuascaro, Don Guido in the jungle, 2017.
In 2003, Sun & Moon Yoga Studio offered a workshop on Shamanism and the Chakras. The presenter was Alberto Villoldo Ph.D., a medical anthropologist and psychologist, who spent over 30 years in Peru, training with master Shamans. He founded The Four Winds Society.
Yoga and Shamanism share the concepts of the subtle energy body and Chakras. But, while Yoga's an oral tradition that transitioned to written and developed many philosophical schools, Shamanism is experiential. Whereas Yoga studies include book study, abstaining from certain aspects of life and moderating our passions; Shamanism trusts that practitioners, listening to their Guides, will make the life choices they are meant to make. It directly addresses our deepest wounds from within the realm of myth, poetry, archetypes and the soul. For Shamans there are no divisions, everything is about intention. This approach spoke to my childhood, when I identified with animals more than people, was overwhelmed by powerful emotions and creativity, and struggled to balance my imaginative dream world with the material world. It just fit.
In February 2004, my family and I vacationed in Sedona, AZ. There, my senses were sharpened by the energy Vortexes, crystal shops and gorgeous landscape. I booked my first Shamanic session, with fertility as my topic. Instead of having to passively lay there, the Shaman actively collaborated with me. Together, we healed deep issues that I had thought I was "done" with. When finished, I looked and felt re-born.
The next summer, my husband and I traveled to Peru with the Four Winds Society. Surrounded by the sacred mountains, Incan archaeological sites, and the Amazon jungle, Dr. Alberto Villoldo and Incan Shamans guided the group through a transformative healing journey.
I mulched these experiences for the next three years, but also reached a heightened level of stress from living the fast-paced Northern VA area. I enrolled in the Four Winds Society's Healing the Light Body School in August, 2009. The first class took place in the Blue Ridge Mountains, NC. The teachings and practices were challenging, and exactly what I needed. I also felt an immediate kinship with the attendees.
That Shamanic work watered a dormant seed of creativity. In the fall of 2009, I begin writing and drawing an animated, Sci-Fi screenplay. Now I'm translating the story into a four book epic. Additionally, the friendships and sense of belonging experienced during the training, followed by exploratory visits, lead to our move to Chapel Hill in 2011. It still feels like paradise.
In summer 2012, I had completed all four directions (classes) and returned to Peru with the Four Winds for a reunion with the lineage. Again the soft, vibrant arms of the Amazon welcomed me. Guided by the Jungle Shamans, I took Ayahuasca, a sacred brew, to confront and heal my deepest fears. Afterwards, I travelled to the mountains for the Advanced Shamanic Initiations with Marcela Lobos. During daily ceremonies, participants received the Earth Keeper and Creator rites in sacred Incan sites, culminating with three days camping on Mt. Patchatuscan, with Don Martin, it's Shaman. This 14 thousand foot mountain is called the Axis of the World for its multiple Huacas -- vortices of power (like in Sedona).
In June, 2013, Don Mariano, Q'ero (Incan) Elder and Paqo from the high Andes, accompanied by his interpreter, Dennis Alejo Mango graced the Chapel Hill area. Along with a stunning personal healing session, I participated in the Kanchis Wara workshop, on the seven layers of consciousness of Pachamama (Mother Earth) -- learning powerful tools for healing.
In Aug. 2013, I earned my Luminous Healing and Energy Medicine certificate from the Four Winds Society.
In March, 2014, I received the Nusta Karpis -- rites/initiations of seven Incan Goddesses, who are linked to seven mountains, and with the seven Chakras. They continue to enrich my connection with the Sacred Feminine.
In Aug. 2015, I attended Working With Dreamtime and Living in Sacred Time with Linda Fitch to explore new techniques to enrich the meaning and content of dreams for myself and clients.
In March 2017, I spent a week in the Mirrored Jungle with Linda Fitch and a small group of seekers. Within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Peru we had 3 consecutive nights of highly personalized Ayahuasca ceremonies. For the first time, I was able to guide my Ayahuasca journey, reinstating my intended questions throughout the trip; dialoging with the plant medicine instead of going on a wild, uncontrollable ride, as in my previous experiences. Each night, Don Guido, our Ayahuascaro, and his wonderful helpers, held us safely and with deep acceptance. Upon conclusion of each ceremony, Don Guido came around and did 10-15 minute healings to complete our individual processes, and didn't close ceremony until everyone was brought to a peaceful resolution. As a result of these smart logistical choices, the whole group held space for each member, as they went through what they needed, and we all felt divinely loved and cared for. It was a time rich with insights and contentment.
I'm riding a wave of accelerated medicine with gratitude, humor and humility.
I deeply acknowledge the continued guidance and inspiration of:
Dr. Alberto Villoldo, see above
Marcela Lobos, Shamanic Teacher http://www.marcelalobos.cl/home.php
Don Guido, Ayahuascaro of the Shipeebo Tribe
Don Martin, Shaman and guardian of Mount Patchatuscan
Don Mariano, Q'ero Elder and Paqo
Petra Le Beau of Le Beau Healing Arts http://www.lebeauhealingarts.com
Linda Fitch, former Dean of the Healing the Light Body School, founder of the Modern Day Shaman http://lindalfitch.com
Ona Sachs, deceased, Shamanic Teacher
Peter Bonaker, Ph.D., Shamanic Teacher and founder of the Institute for Spiritual Advancement http://www.ifsadenver.com/index.html
Victoria Johnson, Shamanic Teacher and Tribe Leader of my South (the first) course
Tracey Kennedy, Tribe Leader of East (the final direction) course http://www.traceyjkennedy.com
Floyd Herdrich, Classical Five-Element Acupuncturist in the Worsley tradition http://acudetox.com/index.php?option=com_civicrm&task=civicrm/profile/view&reset=1&id=1120&gid=15,
Yoga and Shamanism share the concepts of the subtle energy body and Chakras. But, while Yoga's an oral tradition that transitioned to written and developed many philosophical schools, Shamanism is experiential. Whereas Yoga studies include book study, abstaining from certain aspects of life and moderating our passions; Shamanism trusts that practitioners, listening to their Guides, will make the life choices they are meant to make. It directly addresses our deepest wounds from within the realm of myth, poetry, archetypes and the soul. For Shamans there are no divisions, everything is about intention. This approach spoke to my childhood, when I identified with animals more than people, was overwhelmed by powerful emotions and creativity, and struggled to balance my imaginative dream world with the material world. It just fit.
In February 2004, my family and I vacationed in Sedona, AZ. There, my senses were sharpened by the energy Vortexes, crystal shops and gorgeous landscape. I booked my first Shamanic session, with fertility as my topic. Instead of having to passively lay there, the Shaman actively collaborated with me. Together, we healed deep issues that I had thought I was "done" with. When finished, I looked and felt re-born.
The next summer, my husband and I traveled to Peru with the Four Winds Society. Surrounded by the sacred mountains, Incan archaeological sites, and the Amazon jungle, Dr. Alberto Villoldo and Incan Shamans guided the group through a transformative healing journey.
I mulched these experiences for the next three years, but also reached a heightened level of stress from living the fast-paced Northern VA area. I enrolled in the Four Winds Society's Healing the Light Body School in August, 2009. The first class took place in the Blue Ridge Mountains, NC. The teachings and practices were challenging, and exactly what I needed. I also felt an immediate kinship with the attendees.
That Shamanic work watered a dormant seed of creativity. In the fall of 2009, I begin writing and drawing an animated, Sci-Fi screenplay. Now I'm translating the story into a four book epic. Additionally, the friendships and sense of belonging experienced during the training, followed by exploratory visits, lead to our move to Chapel Hill in 2011. It still feels like paradise.
In summer 2012, I had completed all four directions (classes) and returned to Peru with the Four Winds for a reunion with the lineage. Again the soft, vibrant arms of the Amazon welcomed me. Guided by the Jungle Shamans, I took Ayahuasca, a sacred brew, to confront and heal my deepest fears. Afterwards, I travelled to the mountains for the Advanced Shamanic Initiations with Marcela Lobos. During daily ceremonies, participants received the Earth Keeper and Creator rites in sacred Incan sites, culminating with three days camping on Mt. Patchatuscan, with Don Martin, it's Shaman. This 14 thousand foot mountain is called the Axis of the World for its multiple Huacas -- vortices of power (like in Sedona).
In June, 2013, Don Mariano, Q'ero (Incan) Elder and Paqo from the high Andes, accompanied by his interpreter, Dennis Alejo Mango graced the Chapel Hill area. Along with a stunning personal healing session, I participated in the Kanchis Wara workshop, on the seven layers of consciousness of Pachamama (Mother Earth) -- learning powerful tools for healing.
In Aug. 2013, I earned my Luminous Healing and Energy Medicine certificate from the Four Winds Society.
In March, 2014, I received the Nusta Karpis -- rites/initiations of seven Incan Goddesses, who are linked to seven mountains, and with the seven Chakras. They continue to enrich my connection with the Sacred Feminine.
In Aug. 2015, I attended Working With Dreamtime and Living in Sacred Time with Linda Fitch to explore new techniques to enrich the meaning and content of dreams for myself and clients.
In March 2017, I spent a week in the Mirrored Jungle with Linda Fitch and a small group of seekers. Within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Peru we had 3 consecutive nights of highly personalized Ayahuasca ceremonies. For the first time, I was able to guide my Ayahuasca journey, reinstating my intended questions throughout the trip; dialoging with the plant medicine instead of going on a wild, uncontrollable ride, as in my previous experiences. Each night, Don Guido, our Ayahuascaro, and his wonderful helpers, held us safely and with deep acceptance. Upon conclusion of each ceremony, Don Guido came around and did 10-15 minute healings to complete our individual processes, and didn't close ceremony until everyone was brought to a peaceful resolution. As a result of these smart logistical choices, the whole group held space for each member, as they went through what they needed, and we all felt divinely loved and cared for. It was a time rich with insights and contentment.
I'm riding a wave of accelerated medicine with gratitude, humor and humility.
I deeply acknowledge the continued guidance and inspiration of:
Dr. Alberto Villoldo, see above
Marcela Lobos, Shamanic Teacher http://www.marcelalobos.cl/home.php
Don Guido, Ayahuascaro of the Shipeebo Tribe
Don Martin, Shaman and guardian of Mount Patchatuscan
Don Mariano, Q'ero Elder and Paqo
Petra Le Beau of Le Beau Healing Arts http://www.lebeauhealingarts.com
Linda Fitch, former Dean of the Healing the Light Body School, founder of the Modern Day Shaman http://lindalfitch.com
Ona Sachs, deceased, Shamanic Teacher
Peter Bonaker, Ph.D., Shamanic Teacher and founder of the Institute for Spiritual Advancement http://www.ifsadenver.com/index.html
Victoria Johnson, Shamanic Teacher and Tribe Leader of my South (the first) course
Tracey Kennedy, Tribe Leader of East (the final direction) course http://www.traceyjkennedy.com
Floyd Herdrich, Classical Five-Element Acupuncturist in the Worsley tradition http://acudetox.com/index.php?option=com_civicrm&task=civicrm/profile/view&reset=1&id=1120&gid=15,